Farmacne 40 mg capsules are given to the patients whose acne does not respond to other remedies. It has isotretinoin in its formula that greatly works to lessen acne and its relapsing forms. Farmacne is manufactured in capsule forms in different potencies like 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. It must be stored between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Capsules must be kept in a container that is tightly closed. It should be protected from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It should not be used if the patient is allergic to isotretinoin. Alcohol and other beverages containing alcohol must be prevented while using this drug. The patient must minimize his exposure to sunlight. Farmacne is to be kept away from the reach of children and pets.

About Ferrer Internacional

Ferrer Internacional was first formed in 1959 in Barcelona, Spain. Over the years, the company has developed and internationalized itself. Now, it is spread across 90 different countries of the world making it one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Spain. The company is involved in researching and manufacturing different drugs, vaccines, food, fine chemicals, feed, and diagnostics.

A wide range of products is manufactured and produced by this company. These include prescription drugs, molecular diagnostics, dermatological drugs and over the counter medicines. It also produces different vaccines, hospital equipment, and nutritional supplements. Ferrer Internacional aims at working to its best for the well-being of society. [1]

Scientific Studies on Isotretinoin

A study titled as “Changes in long-term sebum production from isotretinoin therapy” by John S. Strauss et al focused on the long-term changes in the production of sebum induced by isotretinoin. It is a known fact that isotretinoin controls the acne breakouts by reducing the size of sebaceous glands of the skin. This leads to a decreased production of sebum and that is how acne episodes are avoided. This study revolved around trials that were to decide about the effects of isotretinoin on this sebum production after it has been discontinued. For this purpose, 20 patients were selected who were suffering from acne. All of these patients had been receiving isotretinoin for some time in order to treat their acne problem. It was ensured that none of them had taken isotretinoin in at least the last 20 weeks before they became a part of this study. The activity of sebaceous glands and the net production of sebum were checked in these patients. It was seen that by the end of 30th week, seven of these patients had their sebaceous glands producing a normal amount of sebum. Eight of these patients even after thirty weeks did not have their sebaceous glands normalized to produce sebum. In fact, 30 to 80 percent of the reduction in sebum production was still observed in them. Out of these eight patients, four were tested regularly for almost a year and their sebaceous glands did not seem to fully recover from the effects of isotretinoin. It was concluded that this long-term effect of isotretinoin might be a key factor in preventing a relapse in certain patients. However, it was also said that this is not the only factor that determines a long-term prevention of patient from acne. [2]

Gerd Plewig et al had a researched set up in order to find out about the use of isotretinoin in alleviating signs of diseases like folliculitis and rosacea. The research paper was titled as “Action of isotretinoin in acne rosacea and gram-negative folliculitis” and was published by the Dermatology department of the University of Munich. It is a known fact that isotretinoin is possibly the most powerful agent in relieving the patients of their worst acne cases. All types of acne whether it is acne conglobata, acne fulminans, or a combination of acne conglobata with hidradenitis, isotretinoin has been proven to treat them all. In addition to these diseases, it is also useful in curing a person of dissecting cellulitis of his scalp. After establishing its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, isotretinoin was also applied to cases like rosacea and folliculitis caused by gram-negative bacteria. It resulted in an absolute resolution of these diseases completely from the patients having them. This lead the committee to believe that isotretinoin has a wide range of effectiveness probably because of the variety of mechanisms by which it produces its effects. It acts on the sebaceous glands to reduce their size and activity. This, in turn, reduces the total production of sebum on the skin and acne is avoided. Secondly, it works by not letting the bacterium named Propionibacterium acnes to grow within the hair follicles and this reduces the chances of acne to occur. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect due to which inflamed areas of acne are treated. Lastly, it was proven by various ultrastructural and light studies that isotretinoin has a direct effect in bringing about a change in the pattern of normal keratinization process in the hair follicles and this leads to a reduced risk of experiencing acne. [3]

Description and Mechanism of Action of Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, also known as 13 cis retinoic acid is a derivative of vitamin A. It works by decreasing the number of sebocytes, the cells of the sebaceous glands. This results in a decrease in sebum production and hence, acne is prevented. It also works to reduce the differentiation of these sebaceous glands. It helps in stabilizing the process of keratinization and stops the formation of comedones. It has been observed to alter the DNA transcription as well. [4]

Farmacne Effects for Acne and Stretch Marks

Isotretinoin is a derivate of vitamin A and is used on a large scale in order to get rid of acne vulgaris. It has also been reported to be of tremendous use in fading scars and spots from the skin of the user leaving behind even toned and clear skin. People who want to get rid of their stretch marks can also find products containing isotretinoin effective. Clinical benefits of isotretinoin can be well established after a customer matches his before and after results. Wrinkles, sagginess, and fine lines are also cured by isotretinoin to ensure a younger looking skin. Other than this, patchy skin disorder and certain cancers can also be treated with isotretinoin. Treatment of rosacea, folliculitis, and patchy skin disorder are other uses of Isotretinoin [5]

Recommended Doses and Duration of Therapy

Farmacne is supposed to be taken as instructed by the doctor. The capsules are designed to be taken orally. It should be placed in the oral cavity and swallowed with the help of a glass of water. Care should be taken not to crush or break these capsules while they are in the mouth as this can cause irritation. Farmacne works best when taken with food. For best results, it must be taken regularly. Therapy usually continues for 4 months. [6]

Side effects and Warnings

Use of Farmacne is associated with certain common and uncommon adversities. The patient can suffer from anemia and thrombocytopenia. His sedimentation rate can be increased and at the same time, he might lack neutrophils in his blood. A headache, blepharitis, and nasopharyngitis are some other adverse effects of using Farmacne. The patient can complain of dryness in eyes, dryness of skin and conjunctivitis. Skin can become fragile and erythematous. Pruritis, arthralgia, and myalgia are also complained by patients using this cream. Cheilitis and dermatitis are also some side effects. Blood triglyceride levels increase and HDL levels are decreased. Glucose levels are also elevated. [7]

Drug Interactions

Farmacne when taken along with vitamin A supplements or other drugs consisting of vitamin A, it can produce additional toxic effects within the body. Use of tetracyclines with Farmacne has been reported a number of times in producing intracranial hypertension. Retinoid drugs like Farmacne reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives containing micro doses of progestin so it might not be the most reliable way of preventing pregnancy. Herbal medications like St. John’s wort are also to be avoided during treatment with Farmacne. Phenytoin reacts with Farmacne to cause an increased risk of osteoporosis. Similar results can occur when Farmacne is used with corticosteroids. [8]

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews serve as one of the requisites of a drug if it is to be termed as a good one. This is because these user reviews serve as a guide to help the people realize what a particular drug is actually like and how beneficial it has proven to be. This eventually aids in making a final decision by the customer. In short, user reviews help people search for the best-suited product. Since Farmacne did not have any user reviews to help the customers guide about it, it is suggested not to use this drug for one’s own safety. Other alternate drugs with isotretinoin should be preferred instead.

Farmacne Price, Dosage, and Available Forms

Farmacne is not currently being sold online. No pharmacy stores have it in their stock. Even the stores belonging to Spain where it is manufactured do not have it in their online product range. Therefore, nothing definitive about its price could be said at this point. Furthermore, the drug is also not being shipped to any other country. This makes it a drug which is really hard to find. The only place to get it is the local market and even that might not be easy.

Farmacne is available in the form of capsules. These capsules are available in varying potencies that include 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. The patients have a choice to choose any one of them as per their needs. It is advised to keep the treatment regimen with Farmacne in a way that the total isotretinoin intake per day stays between the ranges of 0.1 to 1 mg/kg. The dose can be adjusted in some cases where additional complications occur

Conclusion and Rating

Farmacne is not a drug for me. It has absolutely no signs of existence on the internet. Nothing could be found about its price. I do not know for sure whether it is affordable or not. Also, I cannot get it ordered from any online pharmacy as no one is offering it. Farmacne manufacturer and marketer are responsible for its poor availability. No promotions or marketing about this drug was found that would draw my attention or make me change my mind. Farmacne does not even have customer reviews of its own. I will give Farmacne 1 out of 5. It is hard for me to recommend it to anyone who wants to get his acne treated. Farmacne has absolutely no guarantee of being safe or effective and the customers should not risk their money and health by buying this drug.